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B. F. FREED.

WIRE SPLICER.

APPLICATION FILED ON. 24. 1918.

1,316,294. PatentedSept. 16, 1919.

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1 )4. S. )W a THIS COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH 1:13.. WASHINGTON D c UNITED sTATnsrATE T OFFIC BENJAMIN-r, memos; YOUNG navinnionginmm imfl Specificatidn 'of Letters Patent: laten t(l' S epditlfi'; 19-19 T 0 all whom it may concern:

stretcher, and has for its object to provide a device of this character which embodies novel features of construction, whereby the ends of a broken wire can be drawn together and the wire easily spliced.

Further objects of the invention are to provide a wire stretcher which can be quickly taken apart or set up in operative position, which can be packed in a small amount of space and easily carried when taken apart, which can be readily applied to the broken ends of a fence wire or the like, and which enables the broken ends of the wire to be drawn forcibly together for the purpose of splicing the same.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in certain novel combinations and arrangements of the parts as will more fully appear as the description proceeds, the novel features thereof being pointed out in the appended claim.

For a full understanding of the invention, reference is to be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, in Which Figure 1 is a front elevation of a wire stretcher constructed in accordance with the invention, showing the same in operative position.

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the same.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged edge view of one of the clamps.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and indicated in all the views of the drawings by the same reference characters.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate one embodiment of the invention, the numerals 1 and 2 designate a pair of similar end bars which have a spaced and substantially parallel relation when the device is in operation. Each of the end bars is provided at an intermediate point in its length with clamping means C for engaging one of the ends 3 of a broken wire. The

end l is provided at its extremities with. openings 4 which detachably engage the hooked ends 5 of threaded rods 6. The opposite end of these rods 6 pass loosely through sleeves 7 which are formed by rolling the ends of the end bar 2. Nuts 8 are fitted upon the ends of rods 6, and said nuts are formed with integral crankhandles 9 by means of which they can be forcibly rotated and turned on the rods. v

The tool is initially assembled, as indicated by Fig. 1, and the ends 3 of the broken wire gripped by the clamps C of the respective end bars 1 and 2. The broken wire remains loose while the tool is being assembled and the ends thereof are gripped by the clamps, and the nuts 8 are then turned on the rods 6 to force the end bar 2 toward the end bar 1. This operation is continued until the broken wire is properly stretched and held taut, after which the ends of the wire may be spliced in any approved manner. The wire clamps are then released and the tool taken apart, whereupon the device can be packed in a very small amount of space and easily stored or carried until it is again needed.

For the purpose of gripping the wires 7 each of the end bars is formed at substantially its middle point with an opening receiving a bolt 10, said bolt passing centrally through a clamping plate 1.1. The two clamping plates 1]. are elongated in shape and preferably formed with beveled edges so that they can be easily handled. The ends 3 of the fence wires are clamped between the end bars 1 and 2 of the stretcher and the respective clamping plates 11, as indicated by Fig. 1. The clamping plates are reversible and either end can be employed to grip the wire. After the broken ends 3 of the wire have been thus clamped by the plates 11, the nuts 8 are screwed up on the threaded ends of the rods 6 to draw the wire taut and bring the ends 3 together so that they can be spliced.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

A wire stretcher including a pair of spaced and parallel flat end bars, one of which is provided at its extremities with openings, while the other end bar has the extremities thereof returned to provide sleeves, rods having hooked ends which detachably engage the openings in the first mentioned end bar and threaded ends which pass loosely through the sleeves of the other end bar, crank nuts fitted upon the threaded ends of the rods and engaging the sleeves to move the end bars forcibly toward each other when the nuts are tightened, a clamping bolt extending transversely through each of the end bars, and a Wire clamping plate engaged by each of the clamping bolts and arranged for cooperation with the respective end bars 10 to grip the Wire ends.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

BENJAMIN F. FREED.

Witnesses:

J. A. EMERICK, J. F. POWER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of I atents.

' Washington, D. G. 

